AP Biology Flashcards: Environmental Effects on Phenotype
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the role of environmental factors in determining an organism's phenotype?
Environmental factors can influence gene expression, which in turn affects the final phenotype of an organism.
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What is the role of environmental factors in determining an organism's phenotype?
Environmental factors can influence gene expression, which in turn affects the final phenotype of an organism.
Is an organism's phenotype determined solely by its genotype?
No, an organism's phenotype is not determined solely by its genotype, as environmental conditions can influence gene expression to produce different outcomes.
A plant species grows taller at low altitudes than at high altitudes, even if the plants are genetically the same. What is this an example of?
This is an example of phenotypic plasticity, where the environment (altitude) influences gene expression to produce different phenotypes (plant height).
If genetically identical hydrangeas have different flower colors depending on the soil's pH, what concept does this illustrate?
This illustrates phenotypic plasticity, where the same genotype produces different phenotypes (flower colors) under different environmental conditions (soil pH).
How can a single genotype result in multiple phenotypes?
A single genotype can result in multiple phenotypes because environmental factors can influence the expression of its genes.
What is phenotypic plasticity?
Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of one genotype to produce different phenotypes when exposed to different environmental conditions.
What term describes the process where environmental factors alter the way genes are expressed?
The process where environmental factors influence gene expression leads to phenotypic plasticity.
Two identical twin humans are raised in different households with varying diets, resulting in different adult heights. What principle is at play?
This is an example of phenotypic plasticity, where the same genotype can lead to different phenotypes due to environmental factors like diet.
Explain the relationship between gene expression and phenotypic plasticity.
Phenotypic plasticity occurs because environmental factors can influence and change the patterns of gene expression for a given genotype.
Why is it possible for organisms with the same genes to look different?
Organisms with the same genes can look different because environmental conditions can cause those genes to be expressed differently, leading to multiple phenotypes.